Terms & Conditions

1. General Provisions

1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all services provided by Royal Grading ("Company", "we", "us", "our") to customers ("Customer", "you").

1.2 By submitting any item for grading, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.3 Royal Grading provides independent authentication, grading, encapsulation and certification services for collectible video games.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Authentication of submitted items
• Condition assessment and grading
• Encapsulation ("slabbing")
• Issuance of a grading certificate

2.2 All grading results are based on subjective expert evaluation and industry standards.

2.3 Royal Grading does not guarantee that its grading outcomes will match those of other grading companies.

3. Submission and Contract Formation

3.1 A contract is formed when:

• The Customer submits an item via our platform, and
• Royal Grading accepts the submission.

3.2 Royal Grading reserves the right to refuse any submission at its sole discretion without providing a reason.

3.3 Customers must provide accurate and complete information during submission.

4. Pricing and Payment

4.1 All prices are listed on the website and may vary depending on service level and item characteristics.

4.2 Payment must be made in full before grading begins.

4.3 Royal Grading reserves the right to adjust pricing at any time without prior notice.

4.4 Additional fees may apply for:

• Special handling
• Re-holdering
• Re-grading
• Shipping upgrades

5. Shipping and Risk

5.1 The Customer is solely responsible for securely packaging and shipping items to Royal Grading.

5.2 The risk of loss or damage during shipment to Royal Grading lies entirely with the Customer.

5.3 Royal Grading will return items using insured shipping where available.

5.4 Risk transfers back to the Customer once the item has been handed over to the shipping carrier.

6. Authentication Disclaimer

6.1 Royal Grading provides professional opinions on authenticity but does not guarantee authenticity with absolute certainty.

6.2 Royal Grading shall not be held liable for items later determined to be counterfeit, altered or otherwise misrepresented.

7. Grading Disclaimer

7.1 Grading is inherently subjective.

7.2 Royal Grading does not guarantee:

• Future market value
• Investment performance
• Acceptance by other grading companies

7.3 Grades are final and non-negotiable once issued.

8. Encapsulation and Handling

8.1 Items are encapsulated for protection, not preservation indefinitely.

8.2 Royal Grading is not responsible for:

• Natural aging
• Material degradation
• Environmental damage after return

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Royal Grading is liable only in cases of:

• Intent
• Gross negligence

9.2 Liability is limited to the fair market value of the item at the time of submission, as reasonably determined by Royal Grading.

9.3 Royal Grading is not liable for:

• Indirect damages
• Loss of profit
• Market fluctuations
• Emotional or sentimental value

10. Insurance

10.1 Royal Grading does not provide automatic insurance for submitted items.

10.2 Customers are responsible for insuring shipments to Royal Grading.

11. Right of Withdrawal & Cancellation

11.1 Consumers generally have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without providing any reason.

11.2 However, by placing an order, the customer expressly agrees that Royal Grading may begin providing the service before the expiration of the withdrawal period.

11.3 The customer acknowledges and agrees that their right of withdrawal expires once the grading service has been fully performed.

11.4 Once the grading process has started, cancellation of the order is no longer possible.

11.5 All fees are non-refundable once the service has been initiated.

11.6 If the customer withdraws before the service has begun, any payments made will be refunded in accordance with applicable law.

11.7 To exercise the right of withdrawal, the customer must notify Royal Grading by means of a clear statement, for example via email.

12. Data Protection

12.1 Royal Grading processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

12.2 Further details are outlined in our Privacy Policy.

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Royal Grading reserves the right to:

• Photograph submitted items
• Use images for marketing, documentation and verification

13.2 Customers grant Royal Grading a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use such materials.

14. Service Adjustments & Misclassification

14.1 If a submitted item does not match the selected service category, Royal Grading reserves the right to adjust the service level, reclassify the item or apply additional fees where applicable.

14.2 If an item is determined to be ineligible for grading, including but not limited to counterfeit, resealed, altered or otherwise non-compliant items, Royal Grading reserves the right to refuse grading.

14.3 In such cases, a flat fee of EUR 20.00 will be charged to cover authentication and return shipping costs. The item will be returned to the Customer.

14.4 If Royal Grading is unable to complete the grading service for reasons other than suspected or confirmed counterfeiting (e.g. unforeseen operational circumstances), the service fee paid by the Customer will be refunded in full. Shipping costs incurred by the Customer are non-refundable in such cases.

14.5 If an item is suspected or determined to be counterfeit, Royal Grading reserves the right to withhold the item and retain the full declared purchase price of the item. In such cases, Royal Grading may report the matter to the relevant authorities.

15. Turnaround Time

15.1 Estimated turnaround times are provided for guidance only and are non-binding.

15.2 Processing times may vary depending on workload, item complexity or external factors.

15.3 Royal Grading shall not be held liable for any delays in processing or delivery.

16. Governing Law

16.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.

16.2 The place of jurisdiction is the registered office of Royal Grading, where legally permissible.

17. Severability Clause

17.1 If any provision of these Terms is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.

18. Amendments

18.1 Royal Grading reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time.

18.2 The version valid at the time of submission shall apply.